30 Dec Racial Disparities in Colon Cancer Survival Persist

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jeffrey H. Silber, M.D., Ph.D.
The Nancy Abramson Wolfson Endowed Chair in Health Services Research Director, Center for Outcomes Research
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Professor of Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Critical Care
The Perelman School of Medicine
Professor of Health Care Management, The Wharton School
The University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Differences in colon cancer survival by race is a well recognized problem among Medicare beneficiaries. We wanted to determine to what extent the racial disparity in survival is due to a racial disparity in presentation characteristics at diagnosis (such as advanced stage and the presence of chronic diseases) versus a disparity in subsequent treatment by surgeons and oncologists.

To answer this question, we compared black colon cancer patients to three matched white groups:

We studied Medicare patients 65 years of age and older diagnosed between 1991-2005 in the SEER-Medicare database. There were 7,677 black patients and 3 sets of 7,677 matched white controls.

We found that difference in 5-year survival (black-white) was 9.9% in the demographics match. This disparity remained unchanged between 1991-2005. After matching on presentation characteristics, this difference fell to 4.9%. Finally, after additionally matching on treatment, this same difference hardly changed, moving to only 4.3%. So the disparity in survival attributed to treatment differences comprised only an absolute 0.6% of the overall 9.9% survival disparity.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response:Racial disparities in colon cancer survival did not decrease among patients diagnosed between 1991-2005. This persistent disparity appears far more related to presentation characteristics at diagnosis than subsequent treatment differences.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: We need to find better ways to encourage black Medicare patients to be screened for colon cancer and to contact their primary care provider when they develop new symptoms. We also need to improve the primary care infrastructure in the United States to address the extreme racial disparity in the prevalence of chronic diseases that we observe.

Medical Disclaimer

Material provided on this site is for background educational use only. It is not intended as specific medical advice. Publication of material on MedicalResearch.com does not imply endorsement of any of the content.

Join the Discussion

MedicalResearch.com is not a forum for the exchange of personal medical information, advice or the promotion of self-destructive behavior (e.g., eating disorders, suicide). While you may freely discuss your troubles, you should not look to the Website for information or advice on such topics. Instead, we recommend that you talk in person with a trusted medical professional.

The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.